4 Tasting Notes

This black tea blend is a delight. The quality of the peppermint is obvious from the moment the hot water touches the tea and leaves. But on the tongue, the mint is so crisp, clean and fresh tasting that it made me remember what a huge difference there really is between natural fresh ingredients and the mass produced, boxed and processed “flavorings” we’ve become so accustomed to drinking.

The soothing mint is the predominant flavor, but it does not hide the lovely cocoa flavor. This is not, however, a “hot chocolate” drink, it is a rich black tea with a heady aroma and flavor of real peppermint, supported by just the right amount of chocolatey warmth.

It has become one of my very favorite morning teas, especially on cold mornings. The mint opens my eyes, the black tea revs my metabolism and chocolate makes me smile. A good way to start a day!

Preparation

The NecessiTeas’ “Aloha” blend is a green rooibos that contains orange, coconut and pineapple bits with a kiss of creamy vanilla that smells divine and tastes even better. I’ve found most teas have a stronger aroma than flavor. But not so with this blend. The flavors seem to develop on your tongue and surpass the lovely, tropical aroma.

This tea blend is very good, a successful symphony of taste-stimulating flavors that grow to a crescendo of pleasure in a cup, but never forgets to be completely refreshing at the same time. It reminds me of a very good Ambrosia salad made with mandarin oranges…subtle sweetness but bold flavors. Not too strong, but it consistently delivers a nice full flavor that peaks on the palate at just the right level.

Because I enjoyed it so much, I also had to try it with some coconut milk, which was perfect for converting it into a substantial dessert substitute, which was very satisfying for me. As an iced tea, it is flirty, fun and very refreshing. I could almost taste the tropic breezes and smell the sun, sand and exotic tanning lotions (in a good way ;-).

I warn you, between you and me, this tea can quickly become a favorite “snack” substitute. For me it has become the “go to” item for that mid-day lag when I want to munch and perk up. It saves me hundreds of calories and I’m looking forward to it every afternoon now!

Preparation

When I first opened the tin (yes, their teas all come packaged in silver air-tight tins, which I love), I smelled walnuts and a variety of spices. When I looked inside, I saw bits of carrots and chunks of walnuts, among the blend of various spices and bits of goodness mingling with the red rooibos. This tea I felt was good plain, better with a touch of honey or sugar, and fantastic with a splash of milk…and OMG delicious with coconut milk! And to add just a little more dessert richness, try sweetening it with a little brown sugar. This tea tastes like I’ve been dunking carrot cake in milk, and then I drank the flavored milk. Mmmmm.

The NecessiTeas’ Lemon Chiffon is a real treat. I’d heard really good things about it, but for me, lemon must taste real, or it just doesn’t work for me. So on a 90 degree summer day, I made a pitcher of this delicious smelling tea over ice. The best way to describe my first taste was a quality iced tea… flavored with Lemonheads candies! No kidding. Took me back to my childhood. (But don’t worry, it’s not sweet and sticky.)

This Lemon Chiffon has a clean, crisp flavor that is refreshing on the tongue. Even after you finish, you are left with a light, lingering freshness. The lemongrass and other natural flavors do not fight the tea base of green rooibos, rather, they complement each other wonderfully. I found this tea to be an outstanding hot weather thirst quencher.

But the real bonus with this pleasing blend is the way it smells! It is a slightly creamy natural lemon flavor with the tiniest hint of sweetness, imparting a soothing, lovely aroma. The best way to describe it is that this tea is what sunshine should smell like!

Preparation

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Bio

I am an online writer living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. After a cancer diagnosis in 2006, I began learning the importance of a healthy immune system and balanced hormones, and the integral part food plays, both positively and negatively. Through my personal educational journey I have found that tea can be an essential element to good health and wellness. I’ve recently started a blog where I review healthy, but delicious, foods and beverages, and tea is always at the top of my list!